The investors who hear business pitches on the British television series Dragon's Den are called dragons.
The title supplies the programme with its name. Entrepreneurs enter the den and present an idea, company or product to a panel of wealthy businesspeople. Each investor decides whether the opportunity fits their interests, financial expectations and willingness to accept the risks involved. The entrepreneur may receive one offer, several competing offers or none.
A dragon is not a formal legal job title. It is the programme's branding for its investor panel, similar to the way other national versions use different animal imagery. The British terminology is therefore important when distinguishing the show from Shark Tank, whose investors are called sharks.
The dragons' role is broader than simply supplying money. They may offer industry knowledge, contacts, manufacturing experience, retail access or help with strategy. However, an entrepreneur is not guaranteed a completed investment merely because an offer appears during the broadcast. Commercial checks and negotiations normally follow the televised pitch.